Chili pepper - Habanero Red

Cultivation description: Habanero Red

Description:
Habanero Red is one of the hottest chilies available and is known for its intense heat as well as fruity and citrusy undertones. The fruits are small, but packed with flavor and heat, making them popular in sauces, marinades and spice mixes. The red habanero fruits ripen to an intense red color and can be up to 5 cm long. They are perfect for those who like to add heat to their food. 300,000-445,000 Scovilles.

Packaging Information:
One package contains 0.2 grams of seeds, which corresponds to approximately 25 seeds.

Sowing and planting:

• Sowing depth: 0.5 cm
• Pre-cultivation indoors: January – March (Sow indoors to give the plants a head start before planting out)
• Sowing time outdoors: May – June (After the last night of frost, when the soil is warm enough)
• Planting out seedlings: May – June
• Plant spacing: 40 x 40 cm (Give the plants plenty of room to grow)

Care:

• Light needs: Habanero chilies need a lot of sun to thrive, so choose a sunny spot in the garden or a sunny window if growing indoors.
• Temperature: Habanero garden plants prefer warm weather and temperatures between 20-30°C for optimal growth. For outdoor growing, make sure there is no risk of frost when you plant them out.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during hot periods, but avoid wetting the soil too much.
• Fertilization: Habanero chili plants are nutrient demanding and do well with regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains both nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
• Support: Since the habanero plant can get quite tall and spindly, it can be helpful to support it by putting up sticks or poles to keep the plant upright as it grows.

Harvest time:

• Harvest time: Habanero Red matures after approximately 90-120 days from sowing, depending on growing conditions. The fruits are harvested when they are fully ripe and have acquired their characteristic red color. It is important to wait until the fruits have fully ripened, as they can be milder in flavor if picked too early.

Storage:

• Habanero chilies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can dry or freeze them. Freezing preserves both flavor and heat, and dried habaneros can be used in spice mixes or ground into chili powder.

Tip:

• Protect against pests: Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids and spider mites that can affect the health of the chili plant.
• Hand protection: When handling the ripe fruits or processing them (eg drying or cutting), it is recommended to use gloves, as the habanero has an intense heat that can irritate the skin and eyes.
• Heat and taste: Habanero Red is perfect for those who love strong food, but keep in mind that heat can vary depending on growing conditions. Adjust the amount of chili according to your own taste when using it in cooking.

With the right care and patience, you can grow a bountiful crop of habanero chilies that add both heat and flavor to your dishes!